Lawrence Parks and Recreation has made the decision to no longer utilize Carl Knox Natatorium (CKN), beginning with the end of fall programming Thursday, Dec. 13. The natatorium is located on the Lawrence High School campus and is owned by Lawrence Public Schools (USD 497). Parks and Recreation has been in partnership with the school district since late-1979, operating and maintaining the facility and offering department aquatic programming, as well as open swim hours for the community.

Since August 2018, Parks and Recreation and USD 497 Facilities and Operations staff have been in conversation about Parks and Recreation discontinuing operation and maintenance of the facility. This includes daily maintenance, all aquatic programming and open swim hours that LPRD have been offering.

The primary reason for ceasing programming, operation and maintenance of the facility is the low daily admission usage and a lack of offered programs meeting class minimums for several years.  Another issue that has been developing is recruitment of staff as lifeguards to oversee the pool during operation, ensuring a safe environment needed for a family-orientated pool.

Despite ceasing operation, LPRD plans to work with USD 497 to provide training and assistance to Lawrence Public Schools staff during the transition to ensure the knowledge required to operate and maintain is transferred effectively.